From the "Rural, Remote and Northern Communities" issue of Visions Journal, 2020, 16 (1), p. 36
BC Rural Health Network
The BC Rural Health Network is an advocacy organization that works towards improving health care in rural BC communities. Find resources on mental health access, virtual health delivery, and connect with other health care providers, and find learning events.
UNBC Health Research Institute
unbc.ca/health-research-institute
The University of Northern BC Health Research Institute brings together diverse health researchers in northern BC. Learn more about their research and initiatives, find reports and publications, and take part in conferences, seminars, and other events.
National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health
The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health at the University of Northern British Columbia supports Indigenous health across Canada. Learn more about geographic and other barriers to health and mental health care, culturally safe care, health initiatives around the country, and more.
Centre for Rural Health Research
The Centre for Rural Health Research at the University of BC brings together health researchers, health care providers, planners, and policymakers to support evidence-based rural health planning. Find journal articles, reports, community toolkits, past presentations, and the CRHR podcast Innovation from the Edges.
First Nations Health Authority: eHealth & Virtual Health
The First Nations Health Authority offers virtual health and mental health services to members who live in isolated communities, have to travel long distances for health care, or can’t access services as a result of COVID-19. Learn more about virtual substance use and psychiatry, virtual counselling services, Virtual Doctor of the Day, and other telehealth services.
Rural Coordinating Centre for BC
The Rural Coordinating Centre for BC supports health care providers in rural communities and develops frameworks and education to help rural communities thrive. Their June 2020 Summit co-created with the First Nations Health Authority discussed topics like addiction and overdose, cultural safety and humility, virtual care, transportation barrier, and other issues. You can find Summit proceedings and a summary report at rccbc.ca/summit.
BC Emergency Services Community Paramedical Program
bcehs.ca/our-services/programs-services/community-paramedicine
Through the Community Paramedical Program, paramedics expand their services to non-emergency supports like wellness clinics, medical check-ins, wellness checks, and health system navigation. People who live in isolated communities who experience mental illnesses, substance use problems, and other health conditions can check in with a paramedic and stay connected when their usual care providers are located in another town or city. The program is available in 76 northern, rural and remote communities in BC.
BC Rural Centre
The BC Rural Centre explores innovate ways to support rural communities, share information, and develop research. Visit www.bcruralcentre.org/focus/health for health initiatives, success stories, presentations, reports, and other resources.
Centre for Rural and Northern Health
Ontario’s Centre for Rural and Northern Health has a focus on virtual care like telehealth and ehealth. Learn more about initiatives like warm lines for peer support in northern communities, telehealth-delivered opioid agonist treatment, potential barriers and solutions to telehealth-delivered mental health care, and other topics.
